Our Core Valueshopelc.org/files/newsletter/Feb_2020_newsletter.pdf · accountable for living out...
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2020 February 2020 Newsletter 470 Winter Street Ext., Troy, NY 12180 (518) 283-1372 WWW.HOPELC.ORG We are a community empowered by the Holy Spirit, called to bring God’s comfort, to work for God’s justice, and to share the hope and love of Jesus with all. Our Core Values
Transcript of Our Core Valueshopelc.org/files/newsletter/Feb_2020_newsletter.pdf · accountable for living out...
2020
February 2020 Newsletter
470 Winter Street Ext., Troy, NY 12180
(518) 283-1372
WWW.HOPELC.ORG
We are a community empowered by
the Holy Spirit, called to bring God’s comfort,
to work for God’s justice, and to share
the hope and love of Jesus with all.
Our Core
Values
FEBRUARY 2020 NEWSLETTER
Well, I’m back from Madison, Wisconsin--having just completed my second and final immersion experience at Holy Wisdom Monastery through the Ecumenical Center for Clergy Spiritual Renewal (ECCSR). My time there was one of reconnecting with fellow clergy sisters and brothers, and receiving the gift of spiritual renewal. Throughout the rest of this year we all will enter what is technically our second year of the program: “The Monastery without Walls.” Through the use of technology, we will meet in small groups, checking in and at the same time holding one another accountable for living out our own version of St. Benedict’s Rule (note that Holy Wisdom Monastery is a Benedictine order). St. Benedict’s was a monk who started 12 monasteries. However, his main achievement, his "Rule of Saint Benedict", contained a set of rules for his monks to follow. HIs Rule had a unique spirit of balance, moderation and reasonableness (ἐπιείκεια, epieíkeia), which persuaded most Christian religious communities founded throughout the Middle Ages to adopt it. As a result, his Rule became one of the most influential religious rules in Western Christendom. Part our journey as clergy who participated in the ECCSR has been for each of us to create our own individual Benedictine based Rule. Perfect timing, I think, as we embark upon the season of Lent, on Ash Wednesday, February 26th. A time which reminds us of the reality of grief and death. That living life can sometimes bring situations or experiences that knock us to our knees. Those are the times when we cry out for someone to walk those dark paths with us, when we long to know that we are not alone. Those are the times where we hold onto the rules of life that help us survive such passages. Knowing that undergirding these rules there is grace, for Jesus is there walking along with us on such journeys. But also, as we enter the season of Lent through Ash Wednesday, it is a good time to examine the rules of life that allow us to fully live out our vocational calling as Christians on an everyday level. I invite you to begin to think about the rules that undergird your life and how those rules can help you live a Christ-centered life, steeped in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus! Yours in Christ, Pastor Pamela
FEBRUARY 2020 NEWSLETTER
So You’re Retired: You Have a Story to Tell. Join Us.
So, you finally retire or for some other reason your life has changed, and you
don’t have the same schedule and requirements as you used to. Maybe now
you can do all those things you always wanted to do. But… and That’s the
operative word: A Really Big BUT!! You still feel like you aren’t as useful or
as connected as you used to be. You have lots of questions when you hear
Pastor Pamela talk about mission and discipleship. What can you do now
with your limited mobility or finances or all that time it takes to do the usual
daily activities?
Retired Parish Nurse Liz Macris and Retired Pastor Elaine Berg discovered
we are both asking the same questions and we need others to share their
stories with us. If you are interested, contact one of us in the next few weeks.
We will set up a day and time for conversation and sharing stories.
Liz Macris: [email protected] (518 479 3432)
Elaine Berg: [email protected] (315 882 3732)
FEBRUARY 2020 NEWSLETTER
The Exchange
of the Peace
Our world is often filled with chaos and brokenness sometimes seen
clearly in our relationships with one another. We gather on Sunday mornings with all the stress
and anxiety on our shoulders. As our worship begins, we are offered a time to have all that
worry, and stress repaired through our Lord Jesus Christ. At Hope Lutheran we begin worship
with a time of confession where you and I offer all our sin to the Lord through our silence and
our corporate words. Then we lift up our heads and hearts to receive God’s word of grace,
forgiveness and reconciliation. Those words free us not only from our own brokenness but also
free us to reconnect with one another. We call that time of reconnection: passing the peace.
Jesus speaks of peace 23 times in the gospels. His peace is not like ours as in peace and quiet
or even peace time in opposition to war. Rather we are reconciled through his death and
resurrection. With changed hearts we are free to love and serve and share that peace beyond
ourselves. When we offer a hand, a hug or even a bumped fist to one another, it is more than a
simple morning greeting to a friend or acquaintance. We are passing on the gracious love of
God to another with whom we will receive the gifts of God’s grace kneeling at the altar later in
the liturgy.
The peace of Christ goes beyond our doors on Winter Street Ext. Passing the peace is a daily
opportunity in our lives. We do not need to wait until 10 a.m. on
Sunday morning to make peace with our neighbor and family
members. Sharing Christ’s peace is sharing Christ’s love.
FEBRUARY 2020 NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2020 NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2020 NEWSLETTER
Hope’s Prayer Group
Sunday, February 9th
&
Sunday, February 23rd
Following Morning Worship
Please continue to submit prayer
requests, updates, and praise
reports of answered prayer!
* We Welcome Everyone to Join in Prayer *
FEBRUARY 2020 NEWSLETTER
Paint
‘n Sip at
470 Winter Street Ext. in Troy * Sunday, Feb. 9th
at Noon
The cost is $10.00 per attendee.
Each person that attends will receive Amy Macris’
new children’s book, “Have You Seen God.”
Amy will sign each book.
*Please Note: There is only room for 10-people.
*There is a sign-up sheet located in the Narthex.
Please contact Marion Daus with questions:
[email protected] or (518) 248-5914
FEBRUARY 2020 NEWSLETTER
2020
FEBRUARY 2020 NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2020 NEWSLETTER
Our church family will have the opportunity to gather on Wednesday evenings during Lent to
share a simple soup and bread supper as we walk with Jesus on his journey to the cross.
Supper will begin at 6:30 pm with devotions/worship at approximately 7:00 pm.
If you are able to provide soup and/or bread for the suppers, it would be most appreciated.
We have found that three different pots of soup is usually plenty. Please email me at
[email protected] to sign up for soup/bread and tell me which date and what kind of
soup you will do. Soup should arrive hot at about 6 PM so we can sit down promptly at 6:30.
Hoping lots of our folks will come out for this time of fellowship and faith. Thanks so much!
Here’s the schedule leading up to Easter:
Wednesday, Feb 26, 7:00 – ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP – No supper
Wednesday Mar 4 6:30 – SOUP SUPPER #1
Wednesday Mar 11 6:30 – SOUP SUPPER #2
Wednesday Mar 18 6:30 – SOUP SUPPER #3
Wednesday Mar 25 6:30 – SOUP SUPPER #4
Wednesday Apr 1 6:30 – SOUP SUPPER #5
Thursday Apr 9 7:30 Maundy Thursday Worship – The Last Supper
Friday Apr 10 7:30 Good Friday Worship – Jesus Dies for Us
Sunday Apr 12 10:00 Easter! He is Risen! Alleluia!
FEBRUARY 2020 NEWSLETTER
Food and Faith Ministry in March at UAlbany
A ministry opportunity has arisen with students at the Interfaith Center at UAlbany. Each Tuesday
evening, students gather to share a home cooked meal and a 20-30 minute devotion/discussion. We
learned of this ministry when Pastor Sandy Damhof, director of the Cornerstone Ministry at UAlbany,
spoke at the Hudson-Mohawk Conference Assembly in October.
The meals are prepared by local congregations across faiths and the devotion is provided either by that
congregation or by Pr. Sandy. Several people from the congregation go along with the food to chat with
the students. Pastor Sandy said that they really enjoy meeting new people from the community and
different faith backgrounds. Not only is this a great way to share a great home cooked meal with
college students, we can share our particularly warm HOPE hospitality and help them get to know us
Lutherans! I would LOVE it if we prepared/led devotions!
HOPE has signed up to provide meals three times. Pr. Sandy asked for vegan/vegetarian and gluten free
options. If you would like to help cook or provide menu items, plan the devotion, or just be one of the
visitors, please email Marilyn Dyer @ [email protected]. Tell me on which date you are willing to
help.
3/3/20 Dinner for 15-20 at Interfaith Center, UAlbany 6:00 – 7:30 PM
o GF Regular and vegan lasagna (Marilyn has vegan recipe)
o Meatballs
o Green salad
o Italian garlic bread (oil and herbs)
o GF dessert
4/21 Dinner for 15-20 at Interfaith Center, UAlbany 6:00 – 7:30 PM
o Lentil Soup (Marilyn)
o (w plain yogurt, cilantro, and toasted unsweetened coconut topping)
o 2 store bought rotisserie chickens
o Green salad
o Bread/butter/ peanut butter
o GF dessert
FEBRUARY 2020 NEWSLETTER
This picture is the essence of health and happiness! But do we know
how to accomplish this? If someone asked the following questions
after the fact:
Could I describe the taste, smell, texture, or describe a visual about
one main food item of supper? Could I describe the facial
expression of the person who just spoke with me? Could I list 5
things I saw on my walk this eve. or describe the sky…were their
clouds or was there a breeze? What is my stress level on the
average? How many times am I thinking of the past or am I much of
the time planning or worrying about the future??
You are invited to step outside of your comfort zone and experience
mindfulness and meditation with our gathering at Hope Lutheran
Church on Tuesday, the 24th of March when we resume our group
@ 6PM. This is led by Liz Macris, BS, RN, HTCP. There is no fee and
the only commitment is to yourself to come when you are able.
Please call to register for planning (518) 479-3432
FEBRUARY 2020 NEWSLETTER
What's Happening in Sunday School
Our lessons in January included an opening on "seals," from the Song of Solomon 8:6, "Set me as a seal upon your heart..." and classroom lessons for children ages 3 through first grade in "white as snow" from Isaiah 1:18 and continuing with a lesson in seals for the older children, grades 2 through pre-Confirmation with Ephesians 1:13, "...marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit." Pictured are the little ones revealing a "seal" in our heart; Landon Barber, Bodhi Dingee, and Brairose Dingee working on their lesson in Mrs. Mizerek's class; and Frankie Jane Thomas and Leah Marble putting a wax "seal" on their lesson in Mrs. Meissner's class.
FEBRUARY 2020 NEWSLETTER
I have found the book, Difficult Conversations - How to Talk about
what Matters Most, by Douglas Stone, to be helpful. When I am in a
difficult conversation, there are 13 (maybe 14) things that I try to keep
in mind. I am not always successful. If you notice that I am not
adhering to these guidelines, please let me know:
10. Usually the conversation is really not about who is right or who
is wrong. It is usually about different experiences and
different perspectives having a difficult time finding a way to
interact with a sense of resonance.
More to come. In His Grace, WDM
FEBRUARY 2020 NEWSLETTER
2-Feb 9-Feb 16-Feb 23-Feb 26-Feb
Worship 10:00am
Worship 10:00am
Worship 10:00am
Worship 10:00am
Ash Weds. 7:00pm
Altar Guild
Intinction Charlie H
& Debbie F
Intinction Marilyn D
& Susan R
Intinction Carol K
& Maureen H
Intinction Bonny M
& Debbie F
Intinction Marilyn D
& Carol K
Greeter Marlies P Marion D Greg W Jon G Jim M
Ushers Lois &
Athena B
Charlie H &
DeAnn S
Mike &
Marion D
Dickie &
Pam D
Ray &
Donna L
Reader Athena B Chris N Luis C Mike D Donna L
Communion Assistant Chris N Liz M Jon G Marilyn D Chris N
Acolyte Jon G Jim M Luis C Mike D Jon G
Assistant Minister Jon G Chris N Luis C Mike D Jon G
Coffee Set-up/ Clean-up Carol K Liz M Bonny M Marilyn D x
Provide After Worship Snack
Athena B (healthy)
& Marlies P
Marion D (healthy)
& Charlie H
Carol K (healthy)
& Susan C
Maureen H (healthy)
& Pam D
x
Offering Counters Jon G
& Pam D
Marion D &
Charlie H
Greg W &
Jon G
Pam D &
Maureen H
Greg W &
Charlie H
Worship Volunteer Duties for FEBRUARY of 2020
Please find your own replacement if you cannot be available on
date of your assignment. Thank You!
FEBRUARY 2020 NEWSLETTER
News & Upcoming Events for February of 2020
Pastor Pamela Hoh Phone: (518) 588-4017 Email: [email protected] Greg Whitney, Council President Phone: (518) 951-0414 Email: [email protected] Sue Anthony, RN, BSN Phone: (518) 788-4349 Email: [email protected] Tonya Humphrey, Secretary Phone: (518) 701-3623 Email: [email protected] Church Office Phone: (518) 283-1372 Website: www.hopelc.org
S
U
N
D
A
Y
S 10:00 AM
Children’s
Feb. 2nd & 16th, 5-6 PM
1st
AMERICAN RED CROSS
BLOOD DRIVE: 8 AM TO 1 PM
REGIONAL FOOD BANK PACKING:
Carpool meets @ 9:30 AM; Or meet there @ 10:00 AM
5th
COUNCIL MEETING:
6 PM
6th
WORSHIP & MUSIC COMMITTEE MEETING:
6:30 PM
7th
DINE-OUT
DINNER GROUP: 6 PM
@ Plum Blossom in Troy
9th
PAINT ‘N SIP with Amy Macris:
NOON
12th
CONGREGATIONAL
COUNCIL MEETING:
6 PM
13th
HOPE’S KITCHEN’S
Free Community Meal
@ Rensselaer Presbyterian Church;
Serving from: 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM
16th
Pastor Jim Hulihan
Presiding
17th
MEN’S GROUP
MEETING
9:30 AM
19th
QUILTING
GROUP:
10 AM
26th
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE:
7 PM
Choir Rehearsal
2nd & 16th Following Morning
Service
Prayer Group
9th & 23rd
Following Morning
Service
TAI CHI
Tues. 7 - 8 PM Wed. 2 - 3 PM & 3 - 4 PM
